Month: May 2017

Carissa Katekaru PR 17-12

Media Relations Coordinator/Public Information Officer

On Tuesday May 30, 2017 at approximately 6:15 pm, North Richland Hills Police Department was dispatched to the 6300 block of west bound Loop 820 TEXpress lanes regarding a major crash. Upon arrival, officers located a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that had significant damage.

The vehicle was occupied by three adults and two children. The driver, a 31 year old white male, was air lifted to an area hospital with serious head injuries. A 30 year old white female passenger was ejected from the vehicle and air lifted to an area hospital in critical, but stable, condition. The third adult passenger, a 32 year old white male, suffered minor injuries and was released at the scene. Two children, ages four and three, had been sitting in car seats and were released from the scene with no apparent injuries.

Initial crash investigation indicates this was a single vehicle crash. It appears the SUV swerved in an attempt to make the exit at Iron Horse Blvd, causing the vehicle to roll. West bound 820 TEXpress exit for Iron Horse Blvd remained closed for approximately one hour during the investigation.

According to Fortune Magazine, while 96% of American workers say that vacation time is important to them, 54% of them didn’t use their earned time adding up to 662 million hours of vacation time going back to companies. That’s $604 earned dollars we’ve given back to our employers.
Why is this a mental health concern?

Heart disease is the number one killer in the country because of sedentary lifestyles and stress. Stress is significant because of the associated hormone, cortisol, causes a high blood pressure and a buildup of midsection fat and also our view on our lives causing burnout and depression, mental illness and shorter lifespans. Cortisol also causes us to crave fatty and sugary foods.

Many cite affordability as a reason they don’t take a vacation. A vacation doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant to be effective.

One study in Australia showed that just 30 minutes in nature once a week reduces stress. If you’re here in the DFW area, there are many fantastic nature trails, and many are free or very inexpensive. In North Richland Hills, we have over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Even looking at a picture of a nature scene reduces stress. I recently found a YouTube channel with some beautiful, ultra-high definition videos of nature scenes that run for hours. You can find the link below.

There are also some great apps out there to reduce stress. The one I use comes from calm.com. There is a website and an app which has free and paid options.

Others think that not taking time off makes them look better to their bosses. Statistics show that people who don’t take time off or more likely to be passed over for promotions or raises.

So I’ve made it a point in my life to start getting outside more and doing healthy things to de-stress at the end of each day. Join me?

So taking off and even having a stay-cation is a win/win. Better health, both physical and mental, and it even may get you that raise you so richly deserve.

Carissa Katekaru PR 17-11

Media Relations Coordinator/Public Information Officer

On Wednesday May 24, 2017 at 8:10 pm, North Richland Hills Police were dispatched to Rufe Snow Dr. at Iron Horse Blvd. reference a major accident. Upon arrival officers located a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a motorcycle with significant damage.

The initial investigation indicates the motorcycle was traveling north bound on Rufe Snow Dr. approaching Iron Horse Blvd. The SUV was west bound on Trinidad from a stop sign, when it entered the roadway of Rufe Snow to cross. As the SUV entered the roadway, the vehicle struck the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported by ground ambulance from the scene to an area hospital, but did not survive their injuries. The driver of the SUV did not have any reports of injuries. At this time, it is unknown whether speed was a factor in the case.

The name of the motorcyclist is being withheld at this time, pending proper notification of family members.

In keeping you informed, our department received a report of a possible assault behind a business, located near a biking trail in the 7600 block of Mid Cities Blvd. However, at this time we do not have evidence to validate an assault occurred. As such, we do not believe there to be any threat to the community at this time as the department continues to fully investigate the matter.

As always, remain conscious of your surroundings and be sure to call 9-1-1 if you see any suspicious activity. Remember, if you see something, say something.

Carissa Katekaru PR 17-11

Media Relations Coordinator/Public Information Officer

Phone: (817) 427-7076

On May 7, 2017 at approximately 4:15 pm, officers were dispatched to the 6500 block of Jerrell St in reference to a non-violent domestic disturbance between siblings. After a period of time, the male suspect refused to exit the residence at the direction of officers and additional units, as well as specialized equipment, were called to the scene. The suspect soon after, exited the residence and was taken in to custody without incident. He was transported on outstanding parole violation charges to Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office for booking.

The suspect is identified as 25 year old Nathan Nida from Watauga, Texas.

Unaccepted offers for assistance

Greetings all.

The image attached is an example of how many calls I might close in a week on average. These are letters I send out to notify someone that their “case” is being closed out.

When a call comes in a report is generated and comes to me. In almost every instance, I send an initial contact letter which has my contact info, what I do, and a little bit of info about the process. Each letter closes with some general resources in the area. Within a week or two, I will attempt direct contact. Simultaneously, MHMR of Tarrant County is following a similar process. Some of these letters come back undeliverable, though that’s not often.

More often, the attempts to offer assistance simply go unanswered. I’d like to believe that this simply means that needs are already being met, but the more realistic side of me says that it’s much more likely that the recipients are not open to accepting help. Whether it be because of fear, stigma, or pride, the vast majority of offers for help go unaccepted.

If one were drowning, I don’t believe that many would refuse an extended hand from someone on shore. Being overwhelmed with life isn’t much different than drowning and isn’t something that few of us experience. We all do, and we all struggle with accepting help for exactly the reasons I mentioned. Fear of not understanding what will happen. The stigma that it will mean something is “wrong” with someone. Or pride that makes one think that accepting help is something “weak” people do.

Try going to a counselor or opening up to someone about what is going on in your life and tell me that it is something a weak person can do. I feel it takes a huge act of courage to be able to get the first word out. I’m not ashamed to admit that I needed counseling after a divorce. I’m a cop. Can you imagine what it takes for one of us to admit we’re not totally in control of things and need help?

If someone offers a helping hand, accept it. If you are overwhelmed, let someone help.